PARADE had a wonderful time on Saturday at the Bathurst Winter Festival, enjoying some mulled wine, ice skating and the light displays in Machattie Park. While the weather was quite chilly, it was great to see such a good crowd turn out on Saturday. The ice rink was quite packed, but that was to be expected on the first night of the festival. And Parade isn’t too bad with the old blades on, but it’s a bit hard to go fast with such a packed rink. Although Parade was annoyed with himself because he forgot to check out the house of mirrors or have a ride on the ferris wheel, his first experience of mulled wine was certainly one to remember. Parade was walking by the festival on Sunday afternoon and even with sleet in the air, it was great to see so many people outside enjoying everything the festival has to offer. The festival has to be one of the best events council has introduced in recent times. Parade wonders what new ideas the council has for next year. However, it’s a shame dogs weren’t allowed in. PARADE, like many people across Bathurst and the Central West, was up into the early hours on Saturday and Sunday morning, watching the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup. France took care of Uruguay 2-0 in the first game at midnight on Saturday, followed by a very satisfying win (well, for Parade, that is) for Belgium over Brazil at 4am. Come Sunday midnight, it was the game that all of England was waiting for as the English took on Sweden. Football might actually be coming home, as the Poms took care of Sweden 2-0 thanks to goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli. Croatia defeated hosts Russia after a penalty shoot-out in the final quarter finals match. Now, it’s France versus Belgium and England versus Croatia for a place in the final. Parade is hoping that Australia might one day qualify for a World Cup semi-final.